Adding the unexpected

Not many people would think to turn a 1950s salon hair dryer into a floor lamp or a vintage metal soda-pop cooler into a bathroom sink, but it's these clever details that make Paul and Becky Walser's renovated summer home in the Minneapolis suburb of Wayzata such a unique, happy retreat. "Each room has some kind of twist to it, but all the twists blend together," Becky says.

After purchasing the 1,000-square-foot cottage two years ago, the Walsers enlisted designer Cathy Iverson, who has a knack for repurposing the unexpected, to help them create a colorful, recycled look. "And to fit all of our kids," Becky adds. (The Walsers have four boys and one girl.)

They reconfigured the layout, going for an open floor plan with clear views of Lake Minnetonka. For casual, lived-in style, they updated rooms with a mix of new materials, the family's favorite antiques from their old Wisconsin farmhouse and rescued pieces from antiques shops. "Think about using objects that are unexpected," Cathy says. "For little cost, you can add lots of character to your home."

Playful spirit

The dining area echoes the playful, repurposed spirit in the rest of the home. A red tool caddy on top of a salvaged cheese-crate side table serves as a beverage bar during gatherings. Large casters elevate an antique farm table to counter height and make it easy to move. Becky tops the table with flowers in a metal laundry pail.

Becky couldn't resist hanging a vintage print that reads "Wallser" in the dining area--even though it adds an extra L to the family's name.